Indonesia's President Cancels Visit to China Amid Protests

August 31, 2025 - 11:34

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has officially turned down an invitation from the Chinese government, as confirmed by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in a statement released on Saturday evening. This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests that have recently erupted in Indonesia, highlighting growing domestic tensions.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, which is set to begin on Sunday in Tianjin, China, will see participation from several prominent world leaders. Notable attendees include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Prabowo's absence from the summit underscores the significance of the domestic situation in Indonesia, where public sentiment has been increasingly vocal against various issues. The protests reflect a broader discontent that may impact the nation's foreign relations and diplomatic engagements. As the summit approaches, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and its implications for Indonesia's role on the global stage.